HVAC FAQ’s from Our Team Serving Greater Sacramento

How long does a central air conditioner usually last?

The useful “life” of an air conditioner can vary greatly. Such factors as climate, maintenance care, quality, and capacity of the original equipment can increase or decrease the service a system will give by months or even years. On average, a residential central air conditioner will last from ten to fifteen years.

When should I replace my air conditioner?

When your system starts giving you more problems and the problems are not cost-effective to repair it is time to replace the system. Newer equipment is bound to be more energy efficient. You will end up saving money on utility costs in the long run.

How does my HVAC system impact indoor air quality?

Did you know that indoor air can be worse for your health than outdoor air? At Ecology Air Innovations, we can help you control the quality of your indoor air by offering many humidification, dehumidification, and filtration options.

Do you offer free estimates?

Yes, we offer free estimates on HVAC equipment for new construction and existing homes. This includes new air conditioning replacement, new furnaces, air conditioner fans, etc.

Do you offer maintenance agreements for my new air conditioning system?

Yes, we offer a preventive maintenance contract that services your HVAC system to ensure it runs efficiently throughout the year.

How often should I change my air conditioner or furnace filter?

Ecology Air Innovations recommends changing your filter monthly. Insufficient filter replacement to your air conditioner and heater will result in poor system performance, higher power bills, more frequent repairs, and premature system failure.

What does “SEER” mean?

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This is the accepted industry standard measurement for the efficiency of air conditioning and heat pump systems. The higher a system’s SEER ratio, the greater the comfort level and the lower the operating cost.

Do you offer payment plans or financing for replacement HVAC systems?

Yes, Ecology Air Innovations offers a variety of financing options through Ygrene and Hearth. Contact us for more information about how these plans work.

Should I be concerned about the noise level of my air conditioning equipment?

From a mechanical or reliability perspective, the answer is “no.” However, if you want to achieve the best level of comfort available, then you should certainly consider the amount of noise that the unit will add to your environment. Loud units can disrupt sleep and make it difficult to hear conversations. The good news is that significant advances have been made in recent years to produce HVAC equipment that is reliable, efficient and quiet.
The sound levels of existing units can be affected by several factors including the age of the system and the amount of insulation surrounding the compressor. Also, if you are in the market for a new unit, you should compare the sound level ratings of the systems you are considering, as a quieter system will equate to a more pleasant daily experience with the unit.

Why should I call you for my cooling and heating needs?

Ecology Air Innovations has been serving Sacramento area homes with quality air conditioning and heating repair/service for over 12 years, and we are committed to meeting all your comfort needs. We handle quality products, and our certified technicians are experts in the Sacramento air conditioning and heating repair industry. With Ecology Air Innovations you can rest easy knowing whatever the weather, you will be comfortable inside.

What do I set my thermostat to?

The most economical operation of your system comes from setting the thermostat properly. Set the thermostat at the highest summer setting or the lowest winter setting at which you are comfortable. Typical settings are 78 degrees for summer cooling and 70 degrees for winter heating. When cooling, your operating costs increase from 3% to 8% for each degree your thermostat is lowered.